Graeme Bell

Hello Golfers,

I usually start my weekly newsletter with something about the weather or a laugh or a joke. This week it's a bit more somber as a friend of mine passed away last week. His name was Alistair Forrow and he was the Professional at Whitecraigs Golf Club.

Alistair was an absolute gentleman in every way and he had time for everyone. He helped me so much when I was a young assistant PGA professional. I didn't work for him but he was the best at club repairs and showed me all I know today.

He helped me pass my final exams and I really would not be where I am today without him. My business is built around many of the skills he showed me all those years ago. If I can be half the Professional that he was then I will be a very happy man indeed. I don't know if I really thanked him enough for all of his help so maybe this is my way of doing it. So, Alistair, Thank you.

Pro's news

This Week I Went For Distance

Although I really don't get much time to golf, I love it and last week I found myself thinking of the past and how I hit the ball a long way. So, I started hitting balls in the lab and my distance was not as it used to be.

Our equipment in the lab lets me look at club speed, ball speed and many more parameters that are needed to hit the ball a long way. I started to question myself and what I must have done all those years ago. I then had a eureka moment “I was scared of nothing back then and tried to smash it all the time”. In my more mature years I tried to swing shorter and safer which to be fair led to short and inconsistent drives. So, I started to whack it, yes whack it! I got Stuart and Welsh to watch me swing and suddenly the swing began to look longer and freer. Or as Welsh said “No holding back!”

My original swing speed was around 107mph and the ball speed was 156mph which was ok but not great. After a session in the lab on Friday night, I got to 110mph club speed and 160 ball speed, which I was over the moon at. Then came Saturday and BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM 115MPH and ball speed of 168mph.

It was very interesting as I was using the launch monitor to help me measure how much a different swing feeling was affecting my speed and by jingo it worked. Golf doesn't have to be technical all the time, it can be feeling based and then measuring. I genuinely didn't think I could gain that much speed over 48 hours, it was amazing.

If you are interested in improving any aspect of your game then get in touch. I can help you achieve your 2018 goals.

The Masters

It's Just Around the Corner

The Masters The Masters The Masters! It is nearly here and I am super excited, so super excited I am going to do a crazy crazy deal.

I am offering everyone who buys a pair of shoes between now and the start of The Masters an opportunity to get them for FREE.

All you’ve got to do is pick a player that you think will win The Masters, and if he wins then you will get the shoes for FREE! Yes, it’s mental but it will make the final Sunday round more exciting!

Our Masters Evening at the Club

As you now know, we have Sky TV at the Club now, and we have The Masters coverage at the Club. In order for us to justify the cost of Sky, then we have to try and support events at the Club that involve Sky TV.

This is your club and wouldn't you rather that your money goes back into your club rather than a pub? Wouldn't you rather watch The Masters with your fellow golfing pals at the club? I know it’s late but we are planning on having a Masters night on the Friday night but we need you to support it.

There’s going to be fun galore, drink (both alcoholic & non-alcoholic) and a golf lab competition for you to play in. Plus, prizes and even more fun.

I have a full pass for the evening form my wife so I can guarantee a great evening for all! It's your Club, so please support it. Contact me now for more details.

Shop news

Check Out My Kathmandu’s

Yes, you guessed it, rhyming slang for shoes! It’s just like an episode of EastEnders and I am your very own Danny Dyer! Now just cast your eyes on all these stunning and elegant shoes for men and ladies.

What is also worth noting, my prices are actually cheaper than other competitors and my patter is definitely better. You're having a BUBBLE, (bath, meaning laugh, again some great rhyming slang from the pro).

Anyway, pop in-store and have a gander.

FootJoy

Under Armour

4 for 3 on Pro V1

I made that rhyme and yes this offer is music to people’s ears as it is the number one ball on the market and you get a dozen FREE when you buy 3 dozen.

Load up for your season now and save a right few quid!!

Click here to order yours.

Bag trade-in

Many of you will have an old bag at home that you are desperate to rid of and I am more than happy to take it of your hands.

I will cross your hands with a discount of £20 OFF a shiny new one just from dropping it off.

I don't even care if there’s a moldy sandwich or a burst banana onboard! Trade in your old bag even if it's just fit for the bin!

Doesn't he look good?

There’s a well-known phrase: if you can’t beat them, join them. So while it’s unlikely you’ll be challenging for a Ryder Cup place later this year, why not join the world’s best in following the latest golf trends?

This Glenmuir Eliot sweater has been getting a lot of attention in our shop thanks to its modern take on a vintage look.

Like all of Glenmuir’s premium knitwear, it’s designed specifically for golf with its lightweight and breathable fabric creating insulation with breathability, so you stay nice and warm but don’t overheat and sweat.

explore Glenmuir's range >

Spikeless or cleated?

Having the confidence to swing powerfully comes from knowing that you have a stable base, which requires footwear you can trust. There are two types of outsole on modern golf shoes – cleated and spikeless – and we stock a range of both here in the shop, including these two fantastic options.

Opt for off-course versatility
With spring finally on our doorstep it’s a great time of year to consider a pair of spikeless shoes. This Under Armour Performance SL model has a waterproof upper and, despite being spikeless, special rotational resistance traction elements deliver all the grip you need on and off the course.

Choose stability and traction
Get the tour look as well as fantastic grip and stability with this Under Armour Spieth 2 shoe. It’s been created with the help of Jordan Spieth and boasts Gore-Tex waterproof protection, lightweight underfoot cushioning and Rotational Resistance spikes that enhance stability and improve traction.

view Under Armour's range >

New: Cleveland TFI 2135 putters

This range of putters from Cleveland Golf is a little bit special.

It gets its name from the sightline being exactly 21.35mm from the ground, which is the centre of the golf ball, allowing for true alignment even when your eyes aren't directly over the ball.

Couple this with a unique milling pattern on the face, which is different for each model in the range, that provides more consistent speed control across the face and you have a fantastic option to consider.

find out more >

Video of the Week

Thinking of upgrading your driver in 2018? Watch this video as Foremost TV takes a closer look at the new G400 Max driver from PING to see if it really is as forgiving as PING say…

I hope you have enjoyed this week's update.
We hope to see you soon
Graeme

East Kilbride Golf Club
Chapelside Road
Nerston
G74 4PF

Phone: 01355 581805

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